Ziad,Zeenut. (ed.). — The magnificent Mughals.

Oxford, Ofxford University Press, 2002. XXII,317 pp. Col. ills. Hardcover, d./j.Originating in Central Asia, the Mughal dynasty (1526-1858) integrated the South Asian Subcontinent and established the wealthiest and most magnificent empire of its time. The English language adopted their name as a word ('mogul') to signify great wealth and power. For the world today, their most famous masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, epitomizes perfection." "This Indo-Muslim empire was the exemplar of a culturally plural, multi-ethnic state. Exceptional rulers created a political system rooted in tolerance and respect for different traditions. Under the patronage of the talented men and women of this dynasty diverse cultures were blended with incomparable refinement to produce one of the most artistically creative eras of world history." "This is the first book to present, in one volume, an illustrated and authoritative analysis of the Mughal arts and the social, economic and political history of the times by the foremost specialists in the field. The contributors, whose research has enriched our understanding of the Mughal age, represent a wide spectrum of viewpoints. These stimulating essays are highly readable as well as scholarly; each one celebrates the fascinating vitality of the period and engenders an appreciation of the unique Mughal legacy. [Publisher].